Biochemists study the chemical processes of living organisms and the changes which take place during the development of the organisms.

JOB DUTIES

Biochemists may:

Perform research to determine the action of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on the tissues and processes of living things

Isolate, analyze, and identify hormones, vitamins, allergens (substances that cause allergies), minerals, and enzymes, and determine their effects on body functions

Study the chemistry of living processes to find the causes of diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and heart disease

Develop better ways to process, store, and use foods, drugs, and chemical compounds such as pesticides

Conduct research to find methods of transferring characteristics from one type of organism to another, such as developing disease resistant strains of field crops

Analyze food products to measure nutritional value and determine the effect of cooking, canning, and processing on this value

Perform diagnostic tests and develop new tests to detect diseases, genetic disorders, and other abnormalities

Develop and test new drugs

Design or build special lab equipment required in their work

Prepare reports and recommendations based on their research                                                        

Click here to see Biochemists at work!

Machines, tools, and equipment used include:

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OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

041.061-026 BIOCHEMISTS may specialize in many different areas of biochemistry, such as clinical chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, enzyme chemistry, protein chemistry, and steroid chemistry. Some Biochemists combine research with teaching in colleges and universities. They all study the chemical processes of living organisms and the changes which take place during the development of those organisms.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Biochemists may join professional associations, such as the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) and the American Chemical Society and pay periodic membership fees.

You Should Prefer:

• Performing activities of a scientific and technical nature

• Using technical knowledge to solve problems

You Should Be Able To:

• Have above average intelligence

• Have above average verbal and math ability

• Have patience/persistence needed to carry out complicated experiments

• Visualize how flat drawings or pictures would look as solid objects

• Be able to see detail in objects or drawings

• Recognize slight differences in shapes or shadings

• See details and recognize errors in numbers, spelling, and punctuation

• Be able to make evaluations based on measurable standards

• Be able to work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

Calculate the specific rotation of cortisone from these data. When 500 mg of cortisone was dissolved in 100 ml of ethanol and the solution was placed in a 25 cm polarimeter tube , the observed rotation of the solution was +2.61 degrees.

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

The atomic number of an element indicates the number of protons. Since an atom is electrically neutral, this means that electrons are negatively charged and that the number of electrons must be equal to the number of protons.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report explaining any findings that you observed while conducting your research.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to look at your observed data and then intellectually conclude the results.

A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement. Advanced degrees are required for many beginning jobs, especially those in research or teaching. A Ph.D. degree is necessary to conduct advanced biochemical research and to advance to many management and administrative jobs. Civil Service examinations may be required for Biochemists who wish to work for government agencies.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration script.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military website at http://www.todaysmilitary.com .

LIFE SCIENTISTS

The military conducts studies of human and animal diseases to understand their causes and to find treatments. Harmful pests and bacteria are studied to find ways to protect people and food against illness or infection. Life scientists study the biology and chemistry of living organisms.

What They Do

Life scientists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Study bacteria and parasites to determine how they invade and affect humans or animals

• Study the effects of diseases, poisons, and radiation on laboratory animals

• Study the effect of drugs, chemicals, and gases on living organisms

• Study ways of protecting humans through immunization from disease

• Direct blood banks and study blood chemistry

• Study the effects of aerospace flight, temperature, and movement on human physiology

• Study food storage and handling methods

• Study ways of keeping bases and ships free from pests and contagious diseases

• Conduct experiments and write technical reports

Special Requirements

A 4-year college degree is normally required to enter this occupation. Some specialties require a master's degree or medical degree.

Training Provided

No initial job training is provided to officers in this occupation. However, advanced courses are available in some specialties.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful fields of study include biochemistry, biology, microbiology, and pharmacology. Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in scientific work

• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely

• Interest in mathematics, chemistry, biology, medicine, and medical research

• Interest in collecting and analyzing scientific data

Work Environment

Life scientists work in medical, clinical and research laboratories and, at times, in food processing or storage plants. They may work outdoors while conducting field work on land or aboard ships.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian life scientists work for universities, government agencies, medical laboratories, blood banks, pharmaceutical firms, chemical companies, or in private practice. They perform duties similar to those performed by military life scientists. Depending on their specialty, civilian life scientists may be called biochemists, biologists, entomologists, immunologists, medical technologists, pharmacologists, toxicologists, or veterinarians.

Opportunities

The numbers of life scientists in the services are not known. However, new life scientists are needed each year due to changes in personnel and field demands. Newly commissioned life scientists are normally assigned to a laboratory, where they conduct research under the direction of more experienced scientists. In time, life scientists may manage their own research projects and direct other officers. Eventually, they may become directors or research laboratories or hold other senior management positions in the health research field.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

The Department of Agriculture is one of the federal agencies which participate in the cooperative education program, offering the chance to gain work experience and an income while going to college. Some professional associations also have student chapters on college campuses. Participation in the activities of these groups allows students to explore the work. Military service may also offer opportunities for experience.

Entry is usually through direct application to employers. Some graduates may obtain jobs through recommendations of their college professors. College placement offices can help you find available positions or locate employers. Professional journals frequently list job opportunities for beginning, as well as experienced Biochemists. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.    

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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